ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Meeting Between UK SoS Trade Kemi Badenoch and Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on the sidelines of G20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting further boosts Bilateral Trade Relations
Following the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting  at Jaipur, India's Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal and the UK’s Secretary of State for Trade, Ms. Kemi Badenoch had a stock taking meeting in Delhi on 26 August 2023 to review the ongoing India UK Free Trade Agreement . While expressing satisfactions over the last 12 rounds of negotiations wherein several chapters have been finalized, both exuded confidence on next round of negotiations to be similarly successful. Both Chief Negotiators apprised the Ministers about the current state of play, issues outstanding for resolution and their continuous joint efforts to iron out the same. While appreciating the efforts of both the CNs, the Ministers desired the good pace of exchanges to be continued with better understanding of each other’s aspirations and sensitivities. Both leaders expressed their unwavering commitment to reaching a conclusion on a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade deal that will enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Goyal thanked SoS Badenoch for her support and constructive participation in the G20 TIMM at Jaipur. He also invited her to participate in B20 Summit India 2023 events. The meeting was also attended by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal and DG Trade Negotiations Amanda Brooks. Teams are going to continue negotiations till end of August 2023 which will be followed by stock taking at the higher level.
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses happiness on Darbhanga airport for boosting connectivity important to Bihar’s progress
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness on Darbhanga airport for boosting connectivity and becoming an important contributor to Bihar’s progress.
Reacting to a tweet by a user the Prime Minister tweeted;
"Happy to know!
We are working towards boosting connectivity and comfort as far as the aviation sector is concerned.
As for Darbhanga airport, it is becoming an important contributor to Bihar’s progress."
Prime Minister's Office
PM acknowledges the highest ever coal production in the history of India
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed his happiness over the highest ever coal production in the history of India.
In reply to the tweet by Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“Outstanding accomplishment in an important sector for economic growth.”
Ministry of Textiles
Ministry of Textiles invites proposals for constitution of a Dedicated Export Promotion Council for Technical Textiles
Ministry of Textiles has invited proposals for constitution of a dedicated Export Promotion Council  for Technical Textiles vide Public Notice dated December 01, 2020. The Exporter Association and Trade bodies registered under Companies Act or Society Registration Act have been asked to submit proposal for constitution of a dedicated EPC for Technical Textiles by 15th December 2020.
The Council shall abide by all directions of the Central Government in respect of promotion and development of international trade and would be responsible to promote ITC lines identified and Notified by Directorate General of Foreign Trade from time to time.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, in its meeting held on 26th February,2020, gave its approval to set up a National Technical Textiles Mission with a total outlay of Rs. 1480 Crore, with a view to position the country as a global leader in Technical Textiles. The Mission would have a four year implementation period from FY 2020-21 to 2023-24. Constitution of an Export Promotion Council for Technical Textiles is part of one of the components of the National Technical Textiles Mission.
Technical Textiles are futuristic and nice segment of textiles, which are used for various applications ranging from agriculture, roads, railway tracks, sportswear, health on one end to bullet proof jackets, fire proof jackets, high altitude combat gear and space applications on other end of spectrum.
Background of Technical Textiles:
- Technical textiles are textiles materials and products manufactured primarily for technical performance and functional properties rather than aesthetic characteristics. Technical Textiles products are divided into 12 broad categories  depending upon their application areas.
- India shares nearly 6% of world market size of 250 Billion USD. However, the annual average growth of the segment is 12%, as compared to 4% world average growth.
- Penetration level of technical textiles is low in India at 5-10%, against 30-70% in advanced countries. The Mission aims at improving penetration level of technical textiles in the country.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Shri. Ashwini Kumar Choubey takes charge as MoS for Health and Family Welfare; takes Metro to reach Nirman Bhawan.
We will make efforts to make Ayushman Bharat scheme accessible up to the last mile: Shri Choubey
Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey took charge as the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare at Nirman Bhawan, here today. He took the Delhi metro to reach the nearest metro station  from where he then walked down to the Health Ministry to take charge. Before taking charge, he also planted five trees in the Nirman Bhavan campus.
Thanking the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Choubey stated that he will carry on with his efforts to implement the mandates of Ayushman Bharat and will now further push for the benefits of Ayushman Bharat to reach the very last mile people; those people who still are unable to access the services provisioned for them through this revolutionary program of the Government.
Speaking on joining the office again, Shri Choubey said that ‘sarve santu niramaya’ i.e. health for all is the policy mandate of the Government and he will make all efforts towards realising the same. He added that Hon’ble Prime Minister has visualised a New India and thus it is our responsibility that we take a pledge to work towards realising this vision of New India, a Healthy India. Shri Choubey further mentioned that the environment affects our health and hence we should make effort to keep it clean and green, like planting trees and plants, like he did today. He also emphasised that opting for walking and cycling over vehicles for short distances will not only benefit the environment but also keep us healthy. Shri Choubey appealed to everyone towards adopting a healthy habit of brisk walking or cycling for at-least 20-30 minutes each day to maintain good health.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets everyone on Janmashtami
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has conveyed his greetings on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami today.
Shri Modi said that may this holy occasion of piety and devotion bring new joy and energy in the lives of the people.
The Prime Minister posted on X
"जन्माष्टमी की बहुत-बहुत बधाई। श्रद्धा और भक्ति का यह पावन अवसर मेरे सभी परिवारजनों के जीवन में नई ऊर्जा और नए उत्साह का संचार करे, यही कामना है। जय श्रीकृष्ण!"
AYUSH
AYUSH courses through fellowship programmes offered by premier AYUSH institutions in the country
The number of foreign nationals undertaking Ayush courses in premier Ayush institutions in the country under Ayush scholarship/fellowship programmes of the Ministry of Ayush, is 247.
An Ayush Information cell is set up in foreign Countries with the mandate to disseminate authentic information about Ayush systems of Medicine and to undertake various Ayush Promotional activities. The Ministry of Ayush has supported the establishment of 39 Ayush Information Cells in 35 foreign nations. Recently, the latest Ayush Information Cell in Japan was inaugurated on 09th March, 2023. A health centre i.e. Panchakarma Centre in Havana  has been established by the Ministry of Public Health, Cuba with the technical support of the Ministry of Ayush in 2019. Under the Country to Country MoU signed with Cuba, the Ministry of Ayush deputed one Ayurveda Expert and two Ayurveda therapists to Havana, Cuba, for providing their services for the Panchakarma Centre at, Havana, Cuba in November, 2019.
This information was given by Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in Loksabha today.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Swachh Iconic Places - Ministry of Jal Shakti announces selection of 12 sites for transforming them into ‘Swachh Tourist Destinations’under Phase-IV
Taking forward the vision of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for transforming iconic heritage, spiritual and cultural places in the country as ‘Swachh Tourist Destinations’ underSwachh Iconic Places  initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen , the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation , Ministry of Jal Shakti has announced the selection ofthe following Twelve  iconic sites under Phase IV of SIP.
- Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
- Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
- Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan
- Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan
- Ramdevra, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
- Rock Garden, Chandigarh
- Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
- Banke Bihari Temple, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
- Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Kalighat Temple, West Bengal
The initiative aims at enhancing the experience of both domestic and foreign visitors by improving the sanitation and cleanliness standards at and around the sites.The objective of SIP is to achieve a distinctly higher level of Sanitation/Cleanliness at these places, especially on the peripheries and in approach areas. This project is being coordinated by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation , Ministry of Jal Shakti in association with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs , Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and the concerned State/UT governments.
Prime Minister's Office
PM Inaugurates Technology Demonstration Site at Kevadia
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the Technology Demonstration Site at Kevadia in Gujarat, today.
Technological Demonstration Site consisted of various displays by Police and Paramilitary forces, showcasing modern technologies including the exhibition of lethal and non-lethal arms.
CISF, CRPF, BSF,NSG and various State police contingents displayed their modern technology centering on various themes like aviation security, modernization of forces, digital initiatives etc.
While CISF’s theme centered on integrating modern technology with a focus on faster and efficient facial recognition technology at airports, NSG showcased the security kits, modern weaponry and remote controlled vehicles and equipment.
Ministry of Home Affairs prominently displayed the initiative of ‘112’, signifying one number for all emergencies. The highlights of MHA display were National Database on Sexual Offenders, e-Mulaqat and other digital initiatives.
The CRPF stall displayed the gallantry medals and honours received by the CRPF personnel. The history displaying the saga of valour since 1939 and memorable battles fought by CRPF were also exhibited.
Prime Minister also visited the exhibitions by Gujarat Police, which showcased the Vishwas project and modern technology gears. Delhi Police highlighted the digital initiatives while the J&K police exhibited security vehicles used for ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
PIB Headquarters
CANCELLATION OF THRUVANANTHAPURAM GUWAHATI EXPRESS
Train No 12507 Thriuvananthapuram- Guwahati express scheduled to leave Thiruvananthapuram Central at 17:00 Hrs
on 22.08.2017 is cancelled due to heavy rain and inundation of tracks in North eastern parts of the country.
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Ministry of Defence
Shortage of Pilots in Air Force
Adequate number of following aircrafts are being used for imparting training to Indian Air Force  pilots:
- Basic Trainer Aircraft;
- Intermediate Jet Trainer; and
- Advance Jet Trainer
The available strength of pilots in the IAF is sufficient to meet the current operational requirements.
Every year, the IAF participates in a number of career fairs/exhibitions, releases advertisements in newspapers/television and conducts numerous lectures in schools and colleges to motivate the target group.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Ramcharan Bohra in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the demise of Shri Chandan Ram Dass, Minister in the Uttarakhand Government
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow on the passing away of Shri Chandan Ram Dass, Minister in the Uttarakhand Government.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“Pained by the passing away of Minister in the Uttarakhand Government, Shri Chandan Ram Dass Ji. He made a noteworthy contribution to the development of Uttarakhand and served the people with great diligence. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”
Ministry of Labour & Employment
India’s term as Chairperson of Governing Body of International Labour Organisation comes to an end
Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary  completed his tenure as Chair of Governing Body of International Labour Organization today after holding the position for the period October 2020- June 2021. He has handed over the responsibility of the Chair to Ambassador Anna Jardfelt, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations Office in Geneva.
India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International Labour Organization after a gap of 35 years. During India’s Chairmanship, the sessions of the Governing Body held in October 2020 and March 2021 and the 109th session of the International Labour Conference held in June 2021 were conducted through virtual mode. All new and innovative procedures for conducting these meetings were developed during his tenure. Shri Apurva Chandra chaired both the Governing Body sessions, one virtually and the other in person at Geneva. Despite the adverse effects of COVID-19, all meetings of the Governing Body were held successfully.
Besides chairing the sessions of Governing Body, Shri Chandra has also shared India’s position on granting flexibility to member countries in ratifying ILO Conventions. It has been the experience of India that only some provisions come in the way for ratification of a Convention. Therefore, the grant of flexibility to member countries assumes significance as in the long term; it will pave way for harmonious employer-employee relations and will ensure welfare of employees as well. During his tenure, Shri Chandra also stressed on the need for signing Social Security Agreements. He suggested that the member countries should not only initiate dialogue for signing Social Security Agreements bilaterally but also efforts should be made through ILO to sign the Agreements between a few countries in a region. In forums such as BRICS and G-20, multilateral Social Security Agreements should be considered.
Further, India’s path breaking reforms in providing social security to gig and platform workers were highlighted in the international forum, informing the member states about the steps taken by India in evolving the definitions of aggregators, gig and platform workers and also establishing a financing mechanism to provide benefits to gig and platform workers through a Social Security Fund.
In his last address to the Governing Body, besides recommending flexibility for ratification of ILO Conventions and encouraging signing of Social Security Agreements, Shri Apurva Chandra also recommended the member countries to adopt labour standards of ILO in respect of work from home options keeping in view the emerging pandemic and increase in digital footprint at workplace.
Ministry of Finance
Taxpayers Lounge inaugurated at Kolkata for creating awareness on services of Income Tax and for ensuring better compliance
Kolkata, December 14, 2019
With a objective to create awareness about various services provided by Income Tax Department for Taxpayers and also to educate about ensuring better compliance of Direct Tax laws, a Taxpayers Lounge was inaugurated by Ms Asha Agrawal, Pr. DGIT , Central Board of Direct Taxes here today at India International Mega Trade Fair. The Taxpayer’s Lounge is to also educate and create awareness among school-going children and college students who are future taxpayers. Taxpayer Lounges have been set up in the past at New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, Ahmedabad,Varanasi, Bengaluru and Patna.
The various facilities/activities provided at the Taxpayers’ Lounge is as follows:
- Apply for PAN, Aadhar-PAN linking and PAN related queries.
- e-filing and Form 26AS related queries.
- Availability of services of Tax Return preparers.
- Taxpayer Information Series brochures on various topics, available both in e-format and paper format.
- Virtual Reality Game and car game to convey the importance of paying Income Tax to younger age-group visitors, in an engaging manner.
- Nukkad Natak, Quiz, magician and caricature artist etc. to make the public aware about the need to pay taxes and their contribution to nation building.
- Drawing competitions for young children accompany visiting adults.
The Lounge will also be utilized to have feedback about the issues experienced by the taxpayers.
SB
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Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister to participate in the Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations on Buddha Purnima, 7th May 2020
Shri Narendra Modi to deliver the keynote address on the occasion
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shall be participating in the Buddha Purnima celebrations tomorrow, 7th May 2020.
Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation , a global Buddhist umbrella organization is holding a Virtual Prayer Event with the participation of all the supreme heads of the Buddhist Sanghas from around the world.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shall be delivering the keynote address in the morning.
Buddha Purnima celebrations are being held through a Virtual Visak day owing to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic across the globe.
The event is being organised in honour of the Victims and the frontline warriors of COVID-19.
Prayer ceremonies on the occasion will be streamed live from the Sacred Garden Lumbini, Nepal,Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, India,Mulgandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath, India, Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar, India, Pirith Chanting from Ruwanweli Maha Seya in the sacred and historic Anuradhapura stupa premises, Sri Lanka, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, Namo Stupa, Nepal apart from other popular Buddhist sites
Minister of Culture and Minister of Tourism Shri Prahlad Singh Patel and Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju shall also be participating in the event.
Vesak- Buddha Poornima, is considered the Triple Blessed Day as Tathagata Gautam Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Maha Parnirvana.
VRRK/KP
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Prime Minister's Office
PM speaks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi & Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke on telephone with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi & Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The two leaders discussed the impact of the COVID pandemic in the region, and expressed satisfaction that cooperation between India and UAE had not halted even during the health crisis.
They agreed to continue close consultations and cooperation to further strengthen the India-UAE partnership in the post COVID world. In this context, they discussed the opportunities for further diversifying trade and investment links.
Prime Minister expressed his special appreciation for the personal attention and care that His Highness has always shown for the well-being of the expatriate Indian community in UAE.
The two leaders shared their confidence that the COVID crisis would soon be overcome, and looked forward to meeting in person in the near future.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Availability of Medical Colleges
At present, there are 541 medical colleges  in the country with an intake capacity of 80,312 MBBS seats annually. The State-wise number of medical college is given below:
|
|
MBBS
|
|
State Name
|
|
Total Colleges
|
|
Govt. Colleges
|
|
Private Colleges
|
|
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
0
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
31
|
|
13
|
|
18
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
0
|
|
Assam
|
|
7
|
|
7
|
|
0
|
|
Bihar
|
|
16
|
|
10
|
|
6
|
|
Chandigarh
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
0
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
10
|
|
7
|
|
3
|
|
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
0
|
|
Delhi
|
|
10
|
|
8
|
|
2
|
|
Goa
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
0
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
29
|
|
17
|
|
12
|
|
Haryana
|
|
12
|
|
5
|
|
7
|
||
|
7
|
|
6
|
|
1
|
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
|
8
|
|
7
|
|
1
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
7
|
|
7
|
|
0
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
60
|
|
19
|
|
41
|
|
Kerala
|
|
31
|
|
10
|
|
21
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
22
|
|
14
|
|
8
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
56
|
|
25
|
|
31
|
|
Manipur
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
0
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
0
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
0
|
|
Odisha
|
|
12
|
|
8
|
|
4
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
9
|
|
2
|
|
7
|
|
Punjab
|
|
10
|
|
4
|
|
6
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
23
|
|
15
|
|
8
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
1
|
|
0
|
|
1
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
50
|
|
26
|
|
24
|
|
Telangana
|
|
33
|
|
11
|
|
22
|
|
Tripura
|
|
2
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
55
|
|
26
|
|
29
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
6
|
|
4
|
|
2
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
25
|
|
19
|
|
6
|
|
Total
|
|
541
|
|
280
|
|
261
The number of medical colleges have increased by around 45% over the last six years. Number of medical colleges in 2014 was 381. The number of MBBS seats have also increased by 48% over the last six years from 54,348 in 2014 to 80,312 in 2020. The Government is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to establish new medical colleges attached with District/Referral hospitals in underserved areas of the Country. 157 new medical colleges have been approved under the scheme of which 43 have already become functional.
As on date, in the case of government medical colleges, the respective State governments are responsible for fixation of fee and in the case of private unaided medical colleges, the fee structure is decided by a Committee set up by the respective State Government under the Chairmanship of a retired High Court Judge in pursuance of the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. It is for the Committee to decide whether the fee proposed by an Institute is justified and the fee fixed by the Committee is binding on the Institute.
Further, clause  of Sub-section  of Section 10 of National Medical Commission Act, 2019 provides for framing of guidelines for determination of fees and all other charges in respect of fifty percent of seats in private medical institutions and deemed to be universities which are governed under the provisions of the Act.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.
Ministry of Finance
Centre Releases Rs.36,400 Crore as GST Compensation to States
Taking stock of the current situation due to COVID-19 where State Governments need to undertake expenditure while their resources are adversely hit, the Central Government has released the GST Compensation of Rs.36,400 crore to the States/UTs with Legislature for the period from December, 2019 to February, 2020 today.
The GST Compensation of Rs.1,15,096 crore for period April-November, 2019 had already been released by the Central Government to the States/ UTs with Legislature.